The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1887-09-29

hour has struck. Mamma would faint II
I made myself known prcmaturely. l ara
to burst suddenly ON the fashionable
world. Do you admire mamma? Don't
you think her clever? Oh, you would say
she is clever if you knew my sisters
Letitia and Hermione. They are both
very stupid and not particularly good
looking-Jerry and are the best Of the
lot-yet they both married we'll, and
Letitia is q marchionesS. Mamma man.
aged it all. You can't think how duh
and pompous my brother in law Slate
ford is! don't think should care to be
q marchiOness."
Mr.. Codd appeared much amused by
this girlish chatter. The outspolzen Lady
Margaret had Q charming piquante face
that made people feel young to look at.
Lady Geraldine and the governess re-
turned from the adjoining room with port
folios to End Mr.. Codd and Lady Mar
garet on the best of terms.
Mr.. Codd had no previous conception
ingenious, though he was, of course,
aware the humanity Of n lower degree is
candid to painful degree.
After three weeks or so Lady Umfre-
vile began to think it time for Mr. Codd
to make up his mind. Why did he not
propose to Geraldine?
The preliminaries had gone on long
enough, and the worlds eyes were begin
ming to fix curiously On the pair. Lady
Umfreyille had monOpolized the wealthy
stakeholder too fully to escape calumny.
The countess thought it might be expe-
dent to give the backward suitcr gen
tie push. The honor intended for him
might seem too great. In a secluded
corner at q garden party she opened fire.
"You are evidently not q marrying
man, Mr.. Codd." she said, playfully.
GLOW can you resist the lovely girls you
meet daily?'
Mr.. Codd cast sharp glance at the
lady's smiling face.
''My thoughts have been always given
to other matters-more pros2ic things,
Lady Umfreville. Till lately the idea of
matrimony never entered my head"
"Ah, then, suppose you have begun
to think of it. Indeed q man of your po-
sition, of your wealth-and influence, owes
this duty to society. OF course you are
entitled to look for birth and beauty, and
l feel sure that any well brought up, right
minded girl will appreciate your sterling
qualities. | have no son Of my own, you
know" with sigh, "but assure you,
Mr.. Codd, feel quite maternal inter-
est in your welfare.'
This was rather more than necessary.
Mr.. Codd's little eyes sparkled.
'Pray cease, Lady Umfrevillc. l am
not q man to rate my own merits beneath
their worth, but | cannot allow you to
speak in these terms"
II have thought, Mr.. Codd," continued
the UnabaShed countess, that your re-
markable modcsty might prevent yo1
from aspiring in direction where your
heart may be engaged. Let me offer you
encouragement. You remember tic old
adage faint heart never won fair LADY,
think should like cup of tea now, Mr.
Codd.n
The stock brokers' eyes were downcast
as he conducted the lady to o marquee.
While she slipped her tea she wondered
audibly what had become Of Geraldine
Finally she sent Biz. Codd in Gucsrof the
rowing damsel. He presently found her
issuing from a secluded shrubbcry in COM
pany of Rupert Paulet. He smiled at his
friend as he declared his mission to Lady
Geraldine.
That evening Rupert Paulet dincd tete-
a-tete with Mr.. Codd. When the servants
left the room q silence fell between the
two men.
Gam 1 to congratulate You, old fell
lowy' said Mr.. COdd at last.
"My dear Codd, you are the best hacker
in tho world. You may congratulate Inc;
/ have won her, and it is al owing to you.
You have put the only lucky chance
have ever had in my way. There'll be the
deuce to pay with her ladyship, OF course;
bnt when she knows all there may be eX
tenuating circumstances.
Mr.. Codd, getting UP from his seat,
laid q hand on the younger mans
shoulder.
81 was nearly falling in love with her
myself in the beginning, Paulet. She is
beautiful creature"
$50 / thought-so was afraid" an
swered Rupert.
'sBut I soon saw how it was and it
wouldn't have been any good. I can't
think how she has bred so true. The
mother would sell her soul for money.
And that little Lady Margaret-she is
charming" hero Mr.. Codd sighed, "and
she is so tired of lords and marquises. I"
Mr.. Cold. throwing back his head,
laughed pleasantly.
'sShaH tell the countess all about it
tomorrow? i have an appointment with
her in the morning.
eff you only would, my dear Codd.
You might break it gently. I'm in q
mortal funk when / think of facing her. !"
On the morrow Mr.. Codd jumped into a
hanson with cheerful mien and drove
down to Princes gate. Lady UInfreville
was of course at home and would receive
MIR. Codd in her boudoir. This solicited
interview surely boded some good news
seYou are an early visitor, ''she said,
smiling, al thought you were always In
the city at II o'clock
ssNot always, Lady Umfreville. And
| happily have taken o partner who will
relieve me of much responsibility.
| s'Indeed-a very wise step. A rising
young city man, suppose. Il he is a
friend of yours, you must bring him here
some day."
No; he is not city man, but for all
| that he has useful business talents. II is
Mr.. Paulet. He is a very reliable young
fellow, and / have every confidence in
him" Lady Umfreville stared at Mr..
Codd in undigniiied arnazement.
Rupert Paulet, your partner, lie
\ wrote TO say he had . communication to
make to me. Can 1t possibly be thiss
What do his prospects signify to mea'
"a great deal, fancy. / believe he
wishes TO marry yonr daughter
The lady turned pale. 1t was clear
| from this that Air. Colld had no matripo-
nial intentions regarding Lady Geraldine.
my daughter.'' she almost screamed,
"that penniless man marry my beautiful
/ Geraldine? Never
.ssYou forget that he has good prospects